On July 15, a coup attempt took place in Turkey, which was suppressed the following day. Soon after the attack Turkish authorities started a media purge in the country. On Wednesday, Turkish prosecutors ordered the arrest of another 47 journalists.
"The European union must take a stand and hold President Erdogan accountable for breaching human rights convention and muzzling the press. Global journalists are highly concerned by the escalation of attacks against the press in a country that calls itself a democracy. This situation must end immediately," Leruth said.
Since the suppression of the coup numerous news websites in Turkey have been shut down at the request of the prime minister's office, on the pretext of endangering national security and public order. The Turkish government reportedly revoked the licenses of 25 media outlets.